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Chiellini to miss Coppa Italia final but hopes to return in time for Euro 2012 The Italian defender will miss the cup decider against Napoli through injury, but will work hard to be fit in time for the European Championship . May 14, 2012 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will miss the Coppa Italia final on Sunday but remains hopeful that he will be able to feature for Italy at Euro 2012. The 27-year-old sustained a thigh injury in Juventus' 3-1 Serie A victory over Atalanta at the weekend, with coach Antonio Conte stating that the problem will rule him out of the domestic cup final against Napoli. Earlier on Monday, Italy doctor Enrico Castellacci revealed that Chiellini has suffered a suspected thigh strain, and the full extent of the injury will only be known on Tuesday. However, the defender has not lost hope about his chances of making Italy's squad for Euro 2012. "This was certainly not the best way to celebrate the Scudetto victory in front of the club's fans," he wrote on Twitter. "I was a little bit worried at first, but calmer in the evening. "Unfortunately, I will not be able to play in the Coppa Italia final, but I am confident about Euro 2012. We will just have to wait a few more days to have a better understanding of the injury." Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will name his final squad on May 29 after announcing a provisional 31-man list on Sunday.

Serie A Team of the Season: Pirlo, Ibrahimovic & Di Natale star in the 2011-12 campaign We choose the best XI from the Italian top flight campaign that came to a conclusion on Sunday, with Juventus winning the Scudetto in unbeaten fashion. May 14, 2012 Juventus are champions, AC Milan settled for second, Inter struggled and Parma, Udinese and Catania surpassed expectations, but which players contributed most to their team's success? Goal.com analyses their performances to determine the stars who rose above the rest to become the cream of the crop from Serie A in 2011-12. In goal, there is no question that Gianluigi Buffon fully deserves his place. Barring one incident where he miscontrolled a back pass that resulted in a late equaliser for Lecce in a 1-1 draw, the 2006 World Cup winner was back to his very best. He kept an astounding 21 clean sheets and conceded only 16 goals in the league, putting him in the same rank as the world's best shot-stoppers once again going into Euro 2012. The back line certainly contains some familiar faces as well. Andrea Barzagli has turned out to be an incredible bargain after arriving from Wolfsburg in a deal that reportedly totalled just €600,000. The 31-year-old was the best of a stellar Juventus defence and in his 35 appearances he was virtually immovable. Even more impressive, he picked up only three yellow cards along the way, proving he's a player who puts anticipation ahead of sheer force. Thiago Silva is often descibed as the 'best defender in the world' and despite not claiming the Scudetto for a second consecutive season with Milan he will have done his reputation no harm at all in 2011-12. The Brazilian is as comfortable with the ball at his feet as he is putting in a last-ditch sliding tackle to deny an opponent, and there was plenty of world-class defending from the former Fluminense star this season. Catania were one of the league's surprise packages, despite their performances falling off towards the end. The experience of Nicola Legrottaglie proved crucial as the Sicilians broke their club record for points in a single Serie A campaign. The veteran, formerly of Juventus and Milan, was an integral part of the spine of Vincenzo Montella's side which let in just 15 goals on home soil, the fourth best record in the top flight. His impressive aerial presence also proved useful in attack, as he chipped in with five goals. Napoli were unable to reproduce their heroics of last season and missed out on a Champions League place, but Christian Maggio continued his progression at the club with some suggesting he is now their 'fourth tenor' alongside Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik. It's high but deserved praise for the right-sided wing-back, whose ability to get up and down flank in Serie A was second to none in 2011-12. The best evidence of this was when he pulled up with injury and was missing in late March and early April, a stretch in which the Partenopei won just one of seven matches. The central midfield highlights the cornerstone of Juventus' success as Andrea Pirlo provided the ingenuity and Arturo Vidal the guile en route to their flawless campaign. The Italy international was a standout from his first official match at the club against Parma, turning in a virtuoso performance in a 4-1 win and it was just the start of several more to come as he racked up 13 brilliant assists, proving he is far from finished after leaving Milan on a free transfer last summer. Meanwhile, the Chilean's workrate in midfield was unrivalled and his ability to snuff out the ball on the pitch countless times per match was a definitive feature of the Bianconeri's play, not to mention his penchant for getting forward as he notched seven goals. Inter's inconsistencies were well documented this season, although Javier Zanetti was seemingly unaffected. Whether in midfield or defence, the 38-year-old continues to be more energetic and effective than the majority of his younger counterparts. His two performances in the Milan derbies confirmed just how powerful and classy the Argentine still is. It may have been a campaign to forget for the Nerazzurri, but Zanetti became the club's all-time leader in appearances and also surpassed the legendary Dino Zoff on the list of Serie A matches played. The attacking department is one most Serie A fans would dream of seeing. On the right of a front three is Sebastian Giovinco, who had a coming-of-age-season at Parma. With 15 goals and 13 assists, the 'Atomic Ant' thrived in the latter half of the season under coach Roberto Donadoni, and may finally get his shot at being Alessandro Del Piero's heir at Juventus next season should he return to Turin. Zlatan Ibrahimovic's amazing run of nine consecutive domestic titles came to an end, but it was arguably the former Barcelona man's most prolific season yet. He finished as the league's top scorer with 28 strikes and was arguably the most decisive player in Serie A. So few can carry the team on their backs like the Sweden international as his nine appearances in Goal.com's Team of the Week will serve as testimony. His 13-minute hat-trick at Palermo is a contender for the most dominant display of 2011-12. Finally, Antonio Di Natale may be ageing, but he simply cannot stop scoring. Many assumed Udinese could not repeat the success from last season, but the forward ensured that while the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Gokhan Inler were gone, the Friuli side were still a force to be reckoned with as he led them to a Champions League play-off berth with his final goal of the season - an effort that exhibited all his technical excellence. As a bonus, Italy boss Cesare Prandelli decided he could ignore him no longer and has included the prolific 34-year-old in his preliminary squad for the European Championship.

Buffon: My future is with Juventus The experienced goalkeeper has insisted that he has no intention to leave the Bianconeri, and feels the 2011-12 campaign was one of his best-ever performances. May 14, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has stressed that he will not leave Juventus, and added that he expects to sign a contract extension in the near future. The 34-year-old's current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2013, but Buffon does not expect any problems during negotiations for a new contract. "My future? There won't be any problems with my contract renewal. Everybody knows that I want to stay here. Black and white are my colours," Buffon was quoted as saying on the club's official website. The Italy international then reflected on his individual performances this term, and stated that the 2011-12 season was one of his best campaigns ever, although he could not help but highlight one glaring error. "Unfortunately, I made that mistake against Lecce. Without that error, this would have been my best season ever. I can compare it to the 2002-03 championship, when we got through to the Champions League final." Buffon kept 21 clean sheets in 35 Serie A appearances this season.

Chiellini admits Coppa Italia defeat May 14, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini has ruled himself out of the Coppa Italia Final against Napoli, but the Juventus stopper is hopeful for Euro 2012. The defender picked up a right thigh problem in the closing stages of Sunday’s 3-1 win over Atalanta in Serie A. “I’ll have my first tests tomorrow to find out the extent of the injury,” Chiellini stated on his Twitter account. “I was a little worried at the start, but I felt calmer in the evening even if I unfortunately won’t be able to play in the Cup Final. “However, I’m optimistic that I’ll make the European Championship. We’ll just have to wait a few more days to get a better understanding.” Juventus will face Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico on May 20.

Chiellini ruled out of Coppa Italia final, confirms Conte The towering defender picked up a knock in Sunday's Serie A win over Atalanta, and his coach has now revealed that he will not play a part in the cup final against Napoli. May 14, 2012 Antonio Conte will have to make do without the services of defender Giorgio Chiellini in Juventus' Coppa Italia final against Napoli on May 20. The centre-back picked up an injury in the Old Lady's 3-1 Serie A win over Atalanta on Sunday afternoon, and was forced to leave the pitch after 88 minutes of play due to the physical problems. It is not yet known how long Chiellini will be out of action for due to the thigh injury, but Conte has confirmed that the defender will definitely miss the cup final against Napoli. "It was a thigh twinge and he will certainly be out of the Coppa Italia Final, but needs more tests," the Juventus coach commented on Chiellini's injury. The 27-year-old defender was included in Italy's provisional squad for Euro 2012, and national team coach Cesare Prandelli will be closely monitoring Chiellini's fitness.

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 1 Luca Marrone (10') Alessandro Del Piero (28') Stephan Lichtsteiner (83' - O.G.) Andrea Barzagli (90+1' - Penalty) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Attendance: 36000 Del Piero: I could not have wished for a better farewell The veteran attacker scored in his last Serie A game for Juventus before leaving the pitch to a standing ovation from the fans. May 13, 2012 Alessandro Del Piero was overjoyed with the reception he received during his final Serie A match for Juventus on Sunday afternoon. The 37-year-old scored to help the Old Lady to a 3-1 win over Atalanta, before receiving a standing ovation when he was replaced in the 58th minute. "It’s been a moving day. I’ll always keep these moments with me and I’ll never stop thanking my fans," he told reporters. "Of course, there’s a bit of sadness, but I could not have wished for a better farewell." "What I saw in the supporters’ eyes was wonderful. There’s a unique rapport between us, for what we’ve gone through over the years, also in the most critical moment of the club’s history. "Those who have always played for the same team gain people’s gratitude. I want to enjoy this moment." Del Piero could make his last Juventus appearance in the Coppa Italia final against Napoli on May 20. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 1 Luca Marrone (10') Alessandro Del Piero (28') Stephan Lichtsteiner (83' - O.G.) Andrea Barzagli (90+1' - Penalty) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Attendance: 36000 Del Piero & Inzaghi wave goodbye as winners in fairytale ending The two giants of the game said their farewells to Serie A on Sunday with a goal apiece as the home fans got the last word they wanted from their heroes. May 13, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor Welcome to the real world everybody. This is a place where more than just a glass slipper is needed to turn your dusty rags into a stunning ballgown, no toad becomes a handsome prince with a simple kiss and wicked queens are not undone by dwarves and magic mirrors. Instead it’s a place where real fairytale endings happen, and sometimes twice in one afternoon. In the past week, many people on the streets of Milan and Turin have been discussing potential perfect finishes for Filippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Del Piero. And on Sunday, they all got their wish. At San Siro, AC Milan were digging deep in search of a winner against lowly Novara having earlier fallen behind. With a quarter of the game remaining, Massimiliano Allegri called upon Inzaghi, something he has done rarely during his two years in charge, hoping that the No.9 could inject what was needed in front of goal. And boy, did he deliver it. Eight minutes remained when Clarence Seedorf, like Inzaghi appearing in his final game for the Rossoneri, chipped the ball forward towards the striker. ‘Superpippo’ responded by taking the ball down and firing a volley superbly beyond Alberto Fontana. It was a moment like few others in his 623-game career, with the whole Milan team mobbing him in celebration and the roof practically coming off the stadium. While Seedorf, Alessandro Nesta and Gennaro Gattuso were also waving goodbye after over a decade with the club, it was Pippo that the fans wanted to see score the winner more than anything they’ve wanted since Athens in 2007. To a born goalscorer like Inzaghi, it was the only way to say goodbye. Over at Juventus Stadium, there was always going to be something of a party atmosphere, with the Bianconeri having already clinched the Scudetto and the celebrations scheduled for shortly after full-time. But it was late in the first half when the home fans were treated to the cherry on top. Emanuele Giaccherini played a low pass in to the departing Alessandro Del Piero, who curled home a superb low strike from 25 yards. Crowded by his contemporaries, the fans could hardly see their hero for the men in pink wanting to congratulate him. His 290th goal for the club was his last in Turin, and having known that today would be his curtain call made it no less emotive when it happened. ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO AT JUVENTUS SERIE A STATS Appearances 513 Goals 208 TOTAL CLUB STATS Appearances 704 Goals 290 When his number 10 came up on the substitutions board in the 57th minute, the party really started. First, every single player on the pitch received him with a high-five, a handshake or a pat on the head. Some gave all three. He went to sit on the bench, giving coach Antonio Conte only a cursory glance on the way, but he wouldn’t stay there for long. ‘Del Piero sotto la curva’ demanded the fans. They wanted to congratulate their hero close-up. He obliged, taking a slow walk in front of all four stands as the game continued behind him. But the match didn’t matter anymore. All the supporters cared about was giving their captain the send-off he deserved. Little over half an hour later, he received the ultimate prize, getting his hands on the Scudetto for the eighth time in his career. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to the Juventus fans, and while they will get an encore at the Coppa Italia final next Sunday, this was more than enough. Two giants have left Serie A today, and have waved a fond farewell as winners. It was the only way they played their careers, and they more than anyone deserved their fairytale endings. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 1 Luca Marrone (10') Alessandro Del Piero (28') Stephan Lichtsteiner (83' - O.G.) Andrea Barzagli (90+1' - Penalty) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Attendance: 36000 Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved in the game in Turin, which was lit up by a goal by Alessandro Del Piero in his final Serie A appearance for the Bianconeri. May 13, 2012 Juventus Marco Storari 6.5 - With Gianluigi Buffon having been given the day off, Storari started between the posts and was quickly called into action, reacting well to Denis' near-post header by parrying the ball over the bar. However, he was rarely tested thereafter and could do little about Lichtsteiner's own goal. Giorgio Chiellini 7.0 - Back at centre-half with Andrea Barzagli having been dropped to the bench and the versatile defender looked pretty comfortable for the most part, making several crucial interventions with his head as well as a brave block on a shot from Carmona 10 minutes into the second half. Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - Was left trailing in Denis' wake on the half-hour mark and was lucky to see the forward fire over. However, he did very well to muscle the Argentine off the ball when it appeared he might get in on goal again moments later. Subsequently made a brilliantly-timed challenge on Moralez which allowed him to launch a dangerous counter. Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - Few few questions were asked of him from a defensive perspective for the majority of the game. Therefore, it was very surprising that the attack-minded Swiss full-back did not really offer much going forward. Hard to be too critical of him for the own goal, though, as it was a ball he had to try to clear. Simone Padoin 6.0 - Another man who benefited from Antonio Conte's decision to chop and change but the midfielder wasn't particularly eye-catching against his old club. Was neat and tidy in everything he did, and he did wonderfully well to win back possession and then drive his way into the area on 16 minutes. However, instead of then going for goal, Padoin unselfishly - but stupidly - tried to tee up Del Piero. Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - Not his most spectacular game of the season and was caught in possession at one point, but, as usual, he dictated everything from the middle of the park before Juve eased off midway through the second half. Emanuele Giaccherini 6.5 - Full of running down the left hand side and clearly had the beating of his man. Did not get enough of the ball, though, and his delivery wasn't up to scratch. Still, he played his part in Juve's second goal, laying the ball off for Del Piero on the edge of the Atalanta area. Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 6.0 - Earned a recall at left-back and looked vulnerable early on as Scheletto and Bellini doubled up on him at every opportunity. However, he soon settled and did not give Schelotto a look-in thereafter. From an offensive perspective, his final ball often let him down and he was eventually replaced midway through the second period. Luca Marrone 7.5 - Afforded a rare start in midfield and celebrate his recall in sensational style 10 minutes in, thundering a first-time shot past Frezzolini with the aid of the left post after being set up by Borriello. Showed some terrific touches on the ball - as well as demonstrating his ability to beat players - and pretty much underlined his status as a player of real potential. Alessandro Del Piero 8.0 - Playing in his final Serie A game for Juve, Del Piero survived an injury scare inside two minutes before creating an opening for Borriello with a neatly-weighted ball which the forward wasted. Then came the goal everyone in the ground was praying for, Del Piero producing a trademark curler from the edge of the area to double Juve's lead and send the home fans wild. Received a hero's send-off while being replaced in the second half before affording himself a well-deserved lap of honour while the game was still going! Marco Borriello 6.5 - Squandered an excellent chance to break the deadlock by firing wide after being slipped in on goal by Del Piero but he made amends moments later by teeing up Marrone for the opener with a clever backheel after a strong surge into the area. Was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself early in the second half and demonstrating great strength in rolling Manfredini. • Substitutions Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Came on for the last two minutes in place of Chiellini and bagged himself a goal after firing home impressively from the penalty spot. Simone Pepe 6.0 - Replaced Del Piero but was not really given much of a chance to influence the game as Juve were on easy street by that point. Fabio Quagliarella 6.5 - Came on with just over 20 minutes to go and won the penalty from which Barzagli sealed Juve's win. Atalanta Giorgio Frezzolini 6.0 - Not to blame for any of Juve's goals and made a couple of decent stops, but wasn't really overworked. Stefano Lucchini 6.5 - One of Atalanta's better performers on the day, Lucchini made a succession of key clearances and challenges. Thomas Manfredini 5.5 - Gave his all throughout but struggled with Borriello at times, most notably when he was rolled by the on-loan Roma forward early in the second half. Also gave away a penalty at the death for pulling down Quagliarella. Gianpaolo Bellini 7.0 - Showed his attacking intent early on by whipping over a cross which Moralez very nearly scored from. Continued to cause trouble every time he was given the opportunity to get forward and it was his cross which Lichtsteiner deflected past Storari. Federico Peluso 6.0 - Defended stoutly but did not really get forward in the same way that Bellini did down the right-hand side. Ezequiel Matias Schelotto 5.5 - Was pretty prominent during the opening quarter but he faded badly thereafter and was replaced six minutes into the second half. Disappointing showing from such a highly-rated prospect. Giacomo Bonaventura 6.5 - Looked good on the ball throughout, always looking to make something happen and was very unlucky to see his terrific strike come back off the left post, with Storari beaten all ends up. Maximiliano Moralez 5.0 - Showed some neat touches but struggled to have any effect on the game and it was not in the least bit surprising that he was taken off just after half-time. Carmona 6.0 - Worked gamely but was unable to exert any real influence over the match. Riccardo Cazzola 6.0 - Another player who gave his all but he eventually ran out of steam and had to come off with just over 10 minutes to go. Germán Denis 5.5 - Called Storari into action with a powerful header with less than three minutes gone but he then blew a glorious chance to level the game after charging into the area. He didn't get another clear sight of goal thereafter. • Substitutions Luca Cigarini 6.0 - Throw on in place of the jaded Cazzola late on. Nadir Minotti 6.0 - Came on for Schelotto early in the second half. Manolo Gabbiadini 6.0 - Replaced the ineffective Moralez on 51 minutes. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 1 Luca Marrone (10') Alessandro Del Piero (28') Stephan Lichtsteiner (83' - O.G.) Andrea Barzagli (90+1' - Penalty) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Attendance: 36000 Conte: 'We still need Del Piero' May 13, 2012 Antonio Conte thanked Alessandro Del Piero, prepares Juventus for the Coppa Italia and confirms Giorgio Chiellini has a suspected thigh strain. The Bianconeri finished off the Serie A season unbeaten, becoming only the second ever team to win the title without a single defeat. They are the first in a 38-round League, as Fabio Capello’s Milan in 1991-92 were facing only 17 other teams. “It is hugely satisfying for me and the players. It has been a fantastic season,” said the Coach after a 3-1 win over Atalanta. “Finishing it unbeaten was astounding and nobody can ever overtake us. The most they can ever do is match our achievement.” It was also a moving afternoon in Turin, as Del Piero said goodbye after 19 years at Juventus. “I am moved by Del Piero, as he represents something indelible. He is the history of Juventus. That is thanks to the player and the man, so I can only thank him. Alex must also be a protagonist in the Coppa Italia Final in Rome.” That match against Napoli next Sunday evening will be Del Piero’s last official match for the Bianconeri. There were some concerns before the final whistle, as Chiellini over-stretched and limped off in tears, leading some to suspect he might even miss out on Euro 2012. “It was a thigh twinge and he will certainly be out of the Coppa Italia Final, but needs more tests,” said Conte. “We must relish these moments of joy and tattoo them in our minds so that we’ll do anything to experience them again in future. Our growth has been extraordinary considering where the team started.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 1 Luca Marrone (10') Alessandro Del Piero (28') Stephan Lichtsteiner (83' - O.G.) Andrea Barzagli (90+1' - Penalty) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Attendance: 36000 Del Piero: 'I am so proud' May 13, 2012 Alessandro Del Piero said his farewell was “an incredible moment, as my ties to the fans go beyond anything. I am happy and proud.” The Juventus captain played his final Serie A match today, scoring a goal in the 3-1 victory over Atalanta and lifting the Scudetto trophy. “It was an incredible moment,” he said of his lap of honour as tears flooded from people in the stands. “My ties to the fans go beyond anything and I want to thank them. I am happy and proud today. It is an incredibly wonderful day. “Of course there is also sadness, but it’s a moment to treasure, because I celebrated with the fans on the field and I cannot add anything more. I am truly proud. “I am focusing on this because I don’t want to feel that sadness and I have to prepare for Sunday’s Coppa Italia Final against Napoli.” Del Piero has stated he will not be retiring just yet, so could be heading to the American MLS or the English Premier League. “There’s a lifetime ahead of me to work as a director. I am in good shape, I was born to play football and as long as I can do that, I’m happy. “Would I like to play in England? I’ve always said you experience football in a fantastic way there. However, I haven’t discussed a transfer for 19 years, so I’m a bit out of the loop on what to do!” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 1 Luca Marrone (10′) Alessandro Del Piero (28′) Stephan Lichtsteiner (83′ - O.G.) Andrea Barzagli (90+1′ - Penalty) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Attendance: 36000 La Grande Juve: Antonio Conte's men join the greats of Calcio with invincible season The Old Lady completed the 2011-12 season unbeaten, marking them out as one of the most remarkable outfits in Serie A history. May 13, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor There were few tears, truth be told. Juventus’ 2010-11 season ended with a 2-2 draw at home to Napoli which ensured that they would miss out on the Europa League in the campaign ahead. In 2011-12, there would be no Stadio Olimpico, no Luigi Del Neri and no continental football. But it didn’t bother them one bit. Little did Juve fans realise it at the time, but the ‘losses’ they experienced over those few days would become key factors behind one of the most successful seasons in Italian football history. They knew that a new stadium, new coach and a few free midweeks may well help their cause in the pursuit of a return to greatness, but this term has exceeded all expectations. They still have the Coppa Italia final to go next Sunday, but the one trophy they already have has been attained in a way dissimilar to all but one team of the past. When Ilario Castagner’s Perugia finished second in Serie A in 1978-79, they did so becoming the first club ever to remain unbeaten in an Italian top-flight campaign. The great AC Milan went one better by achieving the feat as champions 13 years later. OTHER INVINCIBLES 1889-90 Preston North End 1929-30 Athletic Bilbao 1931-32 Madrid CF 1942-43 Dresdner SC 1972-73 Benfica 1977-78 Benfica 1978-79 Perugia 1991-92 AC Milan 1994-95 Ajax 2003-04 Arsenal 2010-11 Porto 2011-12 Juventus Two decades on, and it is Antonio Conte who has emulated Fabio Capello by winning the title in his first year in charge without a single defeat to his name. What’s more, it has been a picture-book season for the Old Lady. With Juventus Stadium rocking, new players adding steel and style, and Conte’s relentlessness ensuring there was no let up, the fans could have been forgiven for even realising there was no European football. Those who were missing it realised it was a small price to pay. Juve were flying. THE OLD LADY REMAINS UNBOWED There was a rocky spell when their season-long inability to make the most of their superior football resulted in a string of draws, but their response was to rack up their greatest run of the campaign. Ten wins in their final 11 games clinched a 28th official Scudetto and set them apart from any club in history. Milan just couldn’t keep up. A great defensive record has been achieved without them necessarily having a great back line. To add to that, they have beaten 16 of the 19 teams put in front of them without having the most convincing of strikers. Everything they have achieved, they have achieved together. They’ve defended as a team, attacked as a team, won as a team and, well .... drawn as a team. It has been quite a 12 months since that second successive seventh-place finish, and the year ahead will have plenty of twists and turns in store. But whatever happens to the Old Lady either domestically or on the continent in 2012-13, nobody can ever take away what Conte and his players have achieved this season. By beating Atalanta this afternoon amidst a party atmosphere, they have gone down in history. Very few clubs in football history can claim to have gone a whole year without a league loss, and on Tuesday the Bianconeri will celebrate that feat. When Sebastian Giovinco was lifted aloft by his Parma team-mates after scoring the winner at the Ennio Tardini on May 15 last year, few could have foreseen the magnificence to come. The reward for their Scudetto crown is a place in the Champions League, which they have failed to grace in over two and a half years. The unbeaten achievement gains them only a place in a record book, but it can’t ever be wiped out. It will stay forever in black and white, and may well always be remembered as the moment Juve blasted back. It is their first title since Calciopoli, as well as a superb response to two very difficult seasons. The Scudetto would have been enough, but the fact they achieved it without a single defeat makes it a sensational statement of intent. Juventus have returned, and are doing their damnedest to achieve the kind of greatness even their miraculous history has never previously known. This version of the Bianconeri are history makers of a whole new breed. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 1 Luca Marrone (10′) Alessandro Del Piero (28′) Stephan Lichtsteiner (83′ - O.G.) Andrea Barzagli (90+1′ - Penalty) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Attendance: 36000 Juventus complete the Serie A season unbeaten following home win over Atalanta The Bianconeri's 3-1 victory means they have become the third team in Italian history not to lose a single game all season, and the first in a 38-game campaign. May 13, 2012 Juventus beat Atalanta 3-1 in their final league game of the season to record only the third ever unbeaten campaign in Serie A history. Goals from Luca Marrone, departing club captain Alessandro Del Piero and Andrea Barzagli defeated Stefano Colantuono's side and saw the Bianconeri record their 38th game this term without defeat. They become the first team to complete the season unbeaten in a 20-team Serie A, with Perugia chalking up the first such record in a 30-game campaign in 1978-79 and AC Milan's 1991-92 achievement coming over 34 matches. Juve have won 23 and drawn 15 of their 38 games this term, and including their 2-2 draw against Napoli on the final day of last season, they are now unbeaten in 39 matches stretching back to a 1-0 defeat at Parma on May 15, 2011. Antonio Conte is yet to preside over a loss since taking over as Juventus coach last May, with a 2-1 defeat to Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg their only loss over 90 minutes, and even then a 2-2 draw after extra-time saw them progress to next week's final against Napoli in Rome. The departing Del Piero was given a fantastic ovation when he was substituted in the 57th minute, spending several minutes taking the fans' applause as he made a lap of honour with the gap still being played. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 1 Luca Marrone (10′) Alessandro Del Piero (28′) Stephan Lichtsteiner (83′ - O.G.) Andrea Barzagli (90+1′ - Penalty) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Attendance: 36000‎ Del Piero seals Juve record in final game May 13, 2012 Alessandro Del Piero marked his final league appearance for Juventus with a goal as the champions preserved their unbeaten Serie A record with a final-day victory at home to Atalanta. Del Piero, who after 20 years' illustrious service will leave the Turin club on the expiry of his contract this summer, slotted home Juve's second of the afternoon after Luca Marrone had opened the scoring. Andrea Barzagli's penalty completed the victory for the hosts in stoppage time after Atalanta had been given late hope thanks to Stephan Lichtsteiner's own goal. Juve won their 28th Scudetto last weekend when nearest challengers AC Milan lost 4-2 at Inter Milan and the Bianconeri defeated Cagliari 2-0. And the celebrations intensified today as Juve secured the result they needed to join Perugia and AC as the only clubs to have gone undefeated through an entire Serie A season. Juventus still have one more date in their diary this term - the Coppa Italia final against Napoli in Rome next weekend - where 37-year-old Del Piero, the club's all-time record goalscorer, will have chance to make another fitting farewell to the Turin faithful. The hosts wasted little time getting the title celebrations in full swing today as they took the lead after 10 minutes, Marco Borriello playing in Marrone who did the rest with a clinical finish high into the net. And with 28 minutes on the clock it was two, Emanuele Giaccherini with the assist on this occasion as Del Piero picked up on the ball and lashed a low drive into the bottom-left corner from outside the box. Giorgio Frezzolini then denied the hosts a third with a good save from Borriello on 47 minutes. Atalanta finally threatened at the other end after 65 minutes when Giacomo Buonaventura's drive towards the top-right corner was brilliantly saved by Marco Storari. The visitors were right back in it on 83 minutes when Lichtsteiner deflected the ball into his own net, but Juve calmed any jitters in the first minute of injury time when Thomas Manfredini fouled Borriello in the area and Barzagli tucked home the resulting penalty. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 1 Luca Marrone (10′) Alessandro Del Piero (28′) Stephan Lichtsteiner (83′ - O.G.) Andrea Barzagli (90+1′ - Penalty) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Attendance: 36000‎ Del Piero leaves unbeaten Juve with a goal Juventus ended the campaign unbeaten and with Alessandro Del Piero on target for his emotional farewell, but Giorgio Chiellini picked up an injury.. May 13, 2012 Juventus ended the campaign unbeaten and with Alessandro Del Piero on target for his emotional farewell, but Giorgio Chiellini picked up an injury. The Bianconeri kicked off their Scudetto celebrations, which would continue after the game with the trophy presentation and an open-topped bus driving through the streets of Turin. There was also sadness in the air, as Del Piero wore the captain’s armband for the last time in a Serie A match. Paolo De Ceglie was injured and Arturo Vidal suspended, but Coach Antonio Conte gave rare starts to Marco Storari, Luca Marrone, Marcelo Estigarribia and Simone Padoin. They hoped to make history by becoming only the second team ever to win the Scudetto by going unbeaten. The other was Fabio Capello’s Milan in 1991-92, but that was a 34-round campaign. Atalanta were already safe from the drop, though Guglielmo Stendardo was suspended with Matteo Brighi, Guido Marilungo, Daniele Capelli and Andrea Consigli sidelined. In the opening minutes Storari had his palms stung by a German Denis bullet header, but it was Juventus who broke the deadlock with one of their youngsters. Marco Borriello’s backheel flick set up Luca Marrone for a screamer from just within the box that ricocheted in off the inside of the near post. It was the youth product’s debut Serie A goal on his fifth appearance. Simone Padoin robbed a defender and had time to shoot from seven yards, but opted to roll across for a crowded-out Del Piero instead and the chance went begging. Naturally, Del Piero had to score at the Juventus Stadium on his last game! It was a well-taken strike, exchanging passes with Emanuele Giaccherini to drill in from the D. There were moving scenes as he was enveloped by teammates for his 289th goal in a Bianconeri jersey, the 188th in Serie A. Denis had the opportunity to pull one back after dribbling past two defenders, but blasted over with only Storari to beat. After the restart Borriello’s angled drive was well held after he showed his strength to shrug off challenges. There was a standing ovation from the fans as Del Piero was substituted, receiving hugs from all his teammates and keeping his cool in what was a hugely emotional occasion. The captain did not shed a tear, but many fans in the Juventus Stadium did and he walked round the edge of the pitch picking up the many scarves thrown from the stands. After 10 minutes of walking round, the tears finally formed in his eyes. Meanwhile, Atalanta hit the upright as Simone Bonaventura’s strike was fingertipped on to the woodwork by Storari. Stephan Lichtsteiner accidentally put the ball in his own net to give Atalanta a chance to get back into the game, prodding Bellini’s cross in from four yards when trying to clear. Soon after, Giorgio Chiellini seemed to over-stretch and could well have suffered a groin strain. He limped off the field in tears and this could be a serious injury, perhaps one that could rule him out of Euro 2012. In the final minute Juventus were awarded a penalty for Stefano Lucchini’s handling offence, which was fired under the bar by Andrea Barzagli. Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini (Barzagli 89), Estigarribia (Quagliarella 66); Marrone, Pirlo, Padoin; Giaccherini, Borriello, Del Piero (Pepe 57) Atalanta: Frezzolini; Bellini, Lucchini, Manfredini, Peluso; Schelotto (Minotti 52), Carmona, Cazzola (Cigarini 82), Bonaventura; Moralez (Gabbiadini 52); Denis Ref: Gava http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 1 Luca Marrone (10′) Alessandro Del Piero (28′) Stephan Lichtsteiner (83′ - O.G.) Andrea Barzagli (90+1′ - Penalty) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Attendance: 36000‎ Del Piero bids farewell to Serie A with goal as champions end season with incredible unbeaten record The legendary trequartista marked his last outing for the Bianconeri with a trademark curling, finding the bottom left corner with a 25-yard shot just before the half-hour. May 13, 2012 Juventus became only the third team to go through an entire Serie A season undefeated as they defeated Atalanta 3-1 in Turin on Sunday afternoon. Luca Marrone opened the scoring for the Bianconeri before Alessandro Del Piero brought the house down by marking his final league game for the Old Lady with a 28th-minute strike. A Stephan Lichtsteiner own goal gave Atalanta late hope of snatching a draw but Andrea Barzagli ensured that Juventus ended their unblemished campaign on a winning note by firing home an injury-time penalty. Atalanta actually made the brighter start at Juventus Stadium, with German Denis drawing a reaction save out of Marco Storari with a near-post header from a Gianpaolo Bellini cross after just three minutes of play. However, it was Juve who opened the scoring, Marrone unleashing a fearsome drive which clipped the post on its way past an understandably stationary Giorgio Frezzolini. It was a blistering strike from the 22-year-old midfielder but much of credit for the goal had to go to Marco Borriello, who had surged into the area before cleverly backheeling the ball into the path of the onrushing Marrone. The Bianconeri very nearly doubled their advantage on 16 minutes but Simone Padoin unwisely tried to tee up Del Piero after breaking into the area when he really should have gone for goal himself. The World Cup winner, of course, has never needed any help finding the back of the net and he took the opportunity to underline as much just before the half-hour mark. Collecting a lay-off from Emanuele Giaccherini some 25 yards out, Del Piero set himself before curling the ball into the bottom left corner of the Atalanta net the poise and precision Juventus fans have become so accustomed to over the past 19 years. Atalanta really should have pulled a goal back on the half-hour mark but Denis fired horribly over the bar after bursting into the box and past Leonardo Bonucci. As it was, Juventus reached the interval with their two-goal advantage intact and they thus treated the remainder of the game as nothing more than an exhibition game for their No. 10. Indeed, events on the field during the second half became a mere sideshow to the extended lap of honour Del Piero undertook shortly after being subbed on 57 minutes. Atalanta, though, did make a game of it when Lichsteiner diverted a cross from Bellini past his own goalkeeper, but Juventus, fittingly, had the final say, with Barzagli converting from the spot after substitute Fabio Quagliarella had been pulled down in the box by Thomas Manfredini. The party really began thereafter, as the Serie A trophy was then presented to Juventus, who can now record a double by beating Napoli in the Coppa Italia final in Rome next weekend. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Sono d'accordo con lui.

http://www.juventus.com/juve/it/home

Alex non ha esperienza nell'essere sul mercato ....

Alex continua a cambiare discorso quando gli chiedono se é finita o no.

Li fanno vedere sul sito della Juve in streaming a partire dalle 19:00.

É vero. Per favore attenetevi al tema del topic.

Gigi al microfono é commosso per l'ultima di Alex.

Sulla bocca? ....

Ebéte sei un perdente che crede di essere un vincente.

É uno str**** lecchino del potere.